Too hot to grow

Global warming is putting a damper on economic development in Asia

As the wild card in the future of the Asia Pacific's economic development, climate change is emerging as one of the most significant priorities for policymakers.

Weather-related insurance losses have increased around the world, but most visibly in North America and Asia. In eastern Asia, average losses every year have doubled over the last decade to more than $20 billion, according to Munich Re, a reinsurance company.